I apologize in advance for the length of the post, I just wanted to make sure I got the pertinent info in.
I'm going to be purchasing a tablet this Friday 4/1, and like most people I'm deciding between the iPad 2 and the Xoom. I've read a ton of reviews on both devices, but I figured actual users would be able to give me the real scoop much better than reviewers.
First off, what I THINK I'll mainly do with it: web browsing, email, netflix streaming (I know Xoom doesn't currently do it, but let's face it- Netflix streaming will eventually be on every piece of tech, ever.), maybe a few games. Basically I'm looking at doing a lot of things I used to do on my laptop. We got a puppy and I would like something that I can put down on the endtable next to my recliner in a hurry, so that I can stop said puppy from doing evil.
Next, what doesn't matter to me: cameras- my phone takes good pictures, is easier to hold than a tablet and I'm not the sort to video chat. If either device (Xoom or Ipad 2) didn't have cameras it wouldn't matter to me. Music- I really don't see myself listening to music on a tablet, again, that's why I have a phone. Specs- I don't care how many bajillion triangles a device did in some benchmark- from what I've read, the two are pretty much on par in real world applications. Lineage- I'll never be a fanboy who buys something because a certain company puts it out. I don't trust Google. I don't trust Apple. (For that matter i don't trust Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Ford, Chevy, etc.) I think they are all trying to steal my money.
Finally the concerns I have about the Xoom- with rumors about a Nexus tab, will the Xoom continue to be updated quickly, when Google updates the Honeycomb? Is the weight difference between the iPad 2 and the Xoom really that noticeable? (I haven't been able to lay hands on a Xoom, I have held an iPad 2, I gotta say, it's a thin, light, sexy device.) For someone like me, with no prior Android experience, going to be able get the most out of a Xoom?
Anyways, once again, I appreciate any guidance you can give me- $600 is not an inconsequential amount to me, so I'm looking for advice from as many people as I can get it from.